A community group in Earl Shilton has saved a Christmas tree from being scrapped by planting it in a church garden.

The 16ft fir tree will now be covered in Christmas lights after being planted at Earl Shilton United Reformed Church by volunteers from Earl Shilton in Bloom.

The group heard that a couple called Mr and Mrs Wheeler from Barwell wanted to dispose the tree which stood in their garden.

Part of Earl Shilton in Bloom’s remit is that their work must be year round and this act added to the winter planting the volunteers had done around the town to improve the look of Earl Shilton.

A spokesman from the group, said: “The United Reformed Church stands on the corner of High Street and Alexander Avenue, and the tree will add to the effect of the Christmas lights in the town.

“This has been a real community effort with Barwell Parish Council taking the tree down, Earl Shilton Town Council helping with the transport and also donating some of the lights they no longer use and Earl Shilton United Reformed Church and Earl Shilton in Bloom getting together to erect and decorate the tree.

“It is hoped that the tree lights will be switched on at the same time as the rest of Earl Shilton’s lights tomorrow. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Wheeler.”